I went to the cinema yesterday [first time since covid] with my best friend Christine and her sister - to see "The Railway Children Return". It was a little sad that we'd just heard in the morning of the death of Bernard Cribbins- Mr Perks the stationmaster. Here's a reminder of the original 1970's film, an adaptation of E Nesbit's classic story.
Since then, there has been a stage show, and a 2000 remake [where Jenny Agutter is not the eldest daughter Bobbie, but the mother - originally played by the late great Dinah Sheridan] The original book is set in 1905, and this new film is set in 1944.
They have worked very hard to include all the essentials of the original
- three children [2 girls, 1 boy] sent to live in Yorkshire [except these have been evacuated from Manchester, and are not Londoners]
- father is away [well, many fathers away, there's a war on]
- the stationmaster is still Mr Perks [Albert's grandson]
- some of the original music is used
- there is an incident involving waving signs and stopping the train
- there is a kindly old gentleman who can 'pull strings' in London [Bobbie's brother-in-law, played by National Treasure Tom Courtenay]
- Daddy, my Daddy [but this time disappearing into the fog, not emerging from the smoke]
- the railway station is an important location throughout the film
Did I enjoy it? Yes- as did my friends. It doesn't pay to be too careful about historical details though - from the original book, we know Bobbie was born in 1893 - so she'd be 51 in 1944 [Jenny Agutter is 69, but wears surprisingly well!] Her daughter Annie is head teacher at the village school, and has a son aged 11. These two women both had their babies young [and I'm not sure how Annie managed a husband, baby and headship given the restrictions on females in the teaching profession. The 'marriage bars' weren't fully lifted till 1944.
There were complaints after the first film that it encouraged children to play on railway lines - so this one starts with a warning about 'scenes of dangerous behaviour'!! The new one covers all sorts of contemporary issues - including racism, sexism, and women's rights.
Period details appeared to be accurate [Christine thought the Fordson tractor was correct] with good knitwear and kitchen stuff - and wartime hairstyles. A few phrases sounded a little too modern and jarred a little on the ear- but not enough to spoil things.
I will give this one **** I admit I am biased - it would have been hard for this to have matched the book and the original film! It's a feelgood film, though, and a lovely afternoon out.
And RIP Bernard Cribbins - thank you for so many years of entertaining adults and children alike - your 1970 portrayal of Perks was quite perfect!
I daren't go to the cinema to watch the new Railway Children as I'm sure I'd be in floods of tears like I am watching the original!
ReplyDeleteIt isn't quite as weepy!
DeleteI have always enjoyed The Railway Children film and Bernard Cribbins was excellent in his role as Perks. I remember him particular for his story reading on Jackanory.
ReplyDeleteOh yes - jackanory was brilliant, and I am so glad cbeebies has the whole catalogue of children's bedtime stories available on iPlayer. They have continued the practice of using gifted actors who can add expression as they tell the tales. They "do all the voices" beautifully. Bernard C was one of the first in a long line of storytellers on children's BBC, as well as all the other amazing stuff he did, right across the board. I've just had an irreverent thought - will they play "Olein the ground" at his funeral? I think he'd like that
DeleteAn old favourite of mine. I dont think I want to see a new version!
ReplyDeleteI avoided the earlier remake for that reason. But this is a different story
DeleteThank you for that critique. I too loved the book and the original film but have heard good reports about this version so we have booked tickets to go and see it in a couple of weeks at a local independent cinema that was built just after the first world war so it sort of ties in with the original story. Sad to hear of Bernard Cribbins death but as my old Dad used to say he had a good innings living into his 90's. I loved him in the original film. SueH
ReplyDeleteOh I do hope you enjoy it . Yes BC had "a good innings" - but I imagine losing his wife last year (after 66 years of marriage) would have hit him hard.
DeleteI don't remember ever reading the book or the original movie, so I have some catching up to do!
ReplyDeleteThe original was a great story, and the 1970 film a true classic
DeleteYes, 'Perks must be about it' Bernard Cribbens, what a gentle-man. The new film is on our plan for the forthcoming week :-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy. I hope the cinema has A/C to keep you cool
DeleteAnother British blogger wrote about The Railway Children book, a few months ago, and I realized that it was not something I had read. I'm glad you enjoyed watching the remake of the movie with your friends. :)
ReplyDeleteThis story is an incredibly popular children's classic here in the UK, and Jenny Agutter, who stars in the first film and this sequel, is a much lived British film/TV actor. You should try and find a copy, Bless, I think you would enjoy it
DeleteYou made me curious about this movie, I don't know the book and I don't know the movie. I found the film from 1970 on Youtube and plan to watch it :)
ReplyDeleteDu vil nyte denne vakre historien
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